Leadership and Governance

Churston Ferrers Grammar School is guided by a clear vision and a strong sense of responsibility - to our students, our families and our wider community.

A senior leadership team built on values

Our Senior Leadership Team is led by Headteacher James Simpson, who joined Churston committed to the belief that academic excellence and personal development are inseparable. James and the wider leadership team work closely together to set the direction of the school, support staff, and make sure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Leadership at Churston is visible and approachable - our senior team are present across the school, not just behind closed doors.

James SimpsonJames Simpson

James Simpson

Headteacher
David LewisDavid Lewis

David Lewis

Deputy Headteacher, DSL
Natasha DartNatasha Dart

Natasha Dart

Director of Finance and Operations
Alistair KingAlistair King

Alistair King

SEN Co-ordinator
Rachael BrooksRachael Brooks

Rachael Brooks

Assistant Headteacher
Daniel GreavesDaniel Greaves

Daniel Greaves

Assistant Headteacher
Gemma LonghurstGemma Longhurst

Gemma Longhurst

Assistant Headteacher
Lee ShellumLee Shellum

Lee Shellum

Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Headteacher

Independent oversight and strategic guidance

Our governing body plays a vital role in the life and direction of our school. Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team, governors provide independent oversight and strategic guidance - challenging and supporting leadership in equal measure.

Alex FoleyAlex Foley

Alex Foley

Chair of Governors
Sarah Sadler-SmithSarah Sadler-Smith

Sarah Sadler-Smith

Vice Chair of Governors
Claire MalkinClaire Malkin

Claire Malkin

Governance Professional
Nate AhearnNate Ahearn

Nate Ahearn

Parent Governor
Thomas BlanchardThomas Blanchard

Thomas Blanchard

Parent Governor
Victoria HarrisVictoria Harris

Victoria Harris

Parent Governor
Sharon MSharon M

Sharon M

Parent Governor
Richard ReynoldsRichard Reynolds

Richard Reynolds

Parent Governor
Julia SkeetJulia Skeet

Julia Skeet

School Governor
Paul SuttonPaul Sutton

Paul Sutton

Staff Governor
Catherine WillcocksCatherine Willcocks

Catherine Willcocks

Parent Governor
Ben WilliamsBen Williams

Ben Williams

Staff Governor

Accountability

We take our responsibilities seriously. Our governance structures ensure that the school is held to account - on its academic performance, its finances, and the quality of experience it provides for every student.

Transparency

We publish our policies, inspection reports, and governance documents openly. Families, staff, and the public should always be able to understand how Churston is run and how decisions are made.

Community voice

Our governing body includes representatives from across our community - staff, parents, and beyond. We believe the school is strengthened when a wide range of perspectives shapes its direction.

Strategic vision

Our governors work alongside the leadership team to plan Churston’s long-term future - investing in our people, our facilities, and the quality of education we offer, year after year.

As an academy trust, we are committed to complete transparency. Below you can find our statutory governance records, financial reports, and meeting attendance.

Academy Trust Handbook 2025
January 2025
Articles of Association
December 2010
Attendance of Governors
December 2025
Executive Pay as at 31 August 2025
August 2025
Funding Agreement
January 2011
Governor Code of Conduct
September 2025
Governors Handbook
Governors Privacy Notice
Governors Records Including Business Interests
January 2026
Governors Register of Interest
March 2025
Memorandum of Association
November 2010
Statutory Accounts 2025
January 2025
Terms of Reference – Appeals
December 2025
Terms of Reference – Audit
Terms of Reference – Full Governors
December 2025
Terms of Reference – Resources
November 2025
Terms of Reference – Scholarship & Self Development Committee
February 2026